Systems, methods and apparatus for transmission line re-conductoring

Abstract

A method and associated equipment for replacing existing overhead transmission line conductors with new ones while the transmission line remains in service and carrying power. The invention uses the old conductor to pull the new conductor through a series of sheaves installed at the bottom of each tower insulator. Conventional tension-stringing principles are used to assure that both the old and new conductors maintain a safe distance from ground. To achieve this, both the pulling and tensioning (braking) equipment, as well as supply and take-up reels or drums may be elevated to power line voltage and the current is transferred between new conductor and old, while in transit to the line, by means of a brush system and a conducting wheel which may or may not be integral with pulling and tensioning equipment.

1. A system for substituting an existing high-voltage electrical power conductor with a replacement high-voltage electrical power conductor, comprising:
 a coupling device that is mechanically and electrically connected to the replacement high-voltage electrical power conductor and mechanically and electrically connected to the existing high-voltage electrical power conductor, to mechanically and electrically interconnect the replacement and existing high-voltage electrical power conductors; 
 a first apparatus that is mechanically and electrically connected to the replacement high-voltage electrical power conductor, for supplying the replacement high-voltage electrical power conductor into the place of the existing high-voltage electrical power conductor, where the first apparatus includes a conductive portion; 
 a first jumper electrically connected to the conductive portion of the first apparatus and electrically connected to the existing high-voltage electrical power conductor, to electrically interconnect the first apparatus and the existing high-voltage electrical power conductor, and thus electrically interconnect the existing and replacement high-voltage electrical power conductors; 
 a second apparatus that is mechanically and electrically connected to the existing high-voltage electrical power conductor, for removing the existing high-voltage electrical power conductor from its location, to make room for the replacement high-voltage electrical power conductor, where the second apparatus includes a conductive portion; and 
 a second jumper electrically connected to the conductive portion of the second apparatus and electrically connected to the existing high-voltage electrical power conductor, to electrically interconnect the second apparatus and the existing high-voltage electrical power conductor. 
 
   
   
     2. The system of  claim 1  where the first apparatus and the second apparatus each include at least one conductive rotating drum that carries a high-voltage electrical power conductor, and at least one brush that conducts current to or from the drum while it rotates. 
   
   
     3. The system of  claim 2  where the at least one rotating drum includes at least a first groove to which a high-voltage electrical power conductor is coupled, the first groove adapted to maintaining tension on the high-voltage electrical power conductor, and at least a second groove to which the high-voltage electrical power conductor is also coupled, the second groove adapted to conducting electric current to or from the high-voltage electrical power conductor. 
   
   
     4. The system of  claim 2  where a first portion of the at least one rotating drum has a first diameter and a second portion of the at least one rotating drum has a second diameter that is larger than the first diameter. 
   
   
     5. The system of  claim 4  where the second portion of the at least one rotating drum is adapted to cause a wiping action of the high-voltage electrical power conductor carried by the drum.